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The Pagami Creek Fire remains at 92,682 acres and is 71% contained. Aircraft were able to keep the fire’s forward progress in check on Friday. Fire activity increased in several areas of the fire with active surface fire and group tree torching. Little acreage was added to the fire but spot fires occurred in the north side near Fishdance Lake and near Ferne Lake . Near Bog Lake an large unburned island inside the line burned out. This created two small smoke columns in the Isabella area. Rain fall across the fire area ranged from .48 along the Fernberg Road to .03 at Isabella. The entire south side of the fire received little rain. Windy conditions will moderate slightly on Saturday and by Sunday will be significantly reduced. Little rain is in the forecast until mid-week and until rain is received fire danger will remain high.

At midnight Thursday night statewide fire restrictions went into effect. No campfires are allowed except in designated, developed campgrounds. Campfires are restricted in the entire BWCAW .

Several small fires occurred across the forest yesterday but initial attack and support from aircraft brought them under control quickly.

ACTIVITIES TODAY

• On the West and Northwest portions of the fire crews will patrol, mop-up existing lines and back haul unneeded equipment. Some water drops were used in that area of the fire to cool previously unburned islands within the fire area.

•On the Northeast portions of the fire, hose-lays and line construction will continue as well as patrol and mop-up of previously constructed line.

•On the Southern portions near Isabella patrol, mop-up and line improvement continues.

•On the Southwestern portions, line construction and reinforcement of existing lines will continue between the Isabella River and Bog Lakes.

•On the the fireline near Ferne Lake hot spots burned together against a natural barrier. Crews will be reinforcing that area to form a fireline.

WEATHER: Dry and warm weather will continue on Saturday with temperatures in the 70s and winds gusting to 26 from the southeast. Rainfall will bring slightly higher humidities. By Sunday temperatures will cool about 10 degrees and winds will be light.

AREA/ROAD CLOSURES: The Superior National Forest has expanded closures for areas adjacent to the Pagami Creek Fire as a precautionary measure to provide for public safety. Travel along Lake County 7 and FR 369, FR 373 and FR 377 is open. The area between these roads and the fire is closed. To see the updated list of closures and closure map, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home or www.inciweb.org/incident/2534.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: The state of Minnesota has restricted campfires on both state and federal lands. Campfires are allowed only in designated, developed campgrounds (fee areas)., For more information please visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/superior/home.